Planning a Wedding: Palm Springs Unique and Estate Venues
Given how many articles I’ve written about Palm Springs, it’s no surprise that we considered that location for our wedding. We so desperately wanted to get married in Italy, however my grandparents wouldn’t have been in attendance, so we tried to find something a little closer, and our favourite spot in Palm Springs felt like a good option. We ended up going with something more local, however I did a ton of research to come up with some options
Palm Springs holds a special place in the hearts of so many couples. The sunshine, the desert light, the mid century cool factor, and the way the landscape feels both dramatic and intimate make it incredibly appealing. We almost had our own wedding here, and during the planning process we discovered some truly unforgettable venues that feel personal, beautiful, and far from the generic hotel ballroom experience. If you are planning a Palm Springs wedding or simply dreaming about one, these venues are worth bookmarking. We investigated a lot of Estates because I have always loved the idea of staying on-site at a wedding, and the idea of an estate means you get to enjoy waking up the morning after still at your beautoful venue, and can hang with your wedding party leading up until.
One thing important to note is the noise ordinance in Palm Springs that applies to the downtown are and something you should plan an after party for. Estates are good options that are further downtown as they are usually more understanding, but its good to note if you’re looking for a loud until 3 AM party that PS may not be the venue for you.
I’ve linked all the estates below in their titles if you want to check them out, and I am also putting together a few vineyard options in Temecula for couples who love the idea of an Italian countryside feel without leaving California, so stay tuned for that post!
The Cree Estate
Image c/o Cree Estate
The Cree Estate is one of those venues that immediately feels special. With historic adobe architecture, lush gardens, and mountain views in every direction, it offers a warm and elegant setting that feels grounded in Palm Springs history. The courtyards and outdoor spaces are ideal for an intimate ceremony followed by a relaxed but elevated reception under the stars. The Hotel Paloma is right next door, so its easy to stay right next to the venue. Bonus if you have guests with kids that need to be put to bed early and you want the ability to have them come and go from the event. The venue is technically in Cathedral City, but its so close to Palm Springs proper that you don’t feel too far removed from the action. Weddings start at $20,000 USD with their venue cost and the mandatory minimum two-night stay, plus all the extra decor, vendors, flowers etc. It’s not the least expensive option, but does allow you to stay on site!
Frederick Loewe Estate
If you are drawn to architecture and garden focused spaces, the Frederick Loewe Estate is a beautiful option. The property blends desert landscaping with a more refined, European inspired feel. It works especially well for couples who want an outdoor celebration that still feels structured and timeless. It’s right in Palm Springs town and just off the main drag which leaves plenty of options for after parties and brunch the morning after. It’s a bit more of an expensive venue because you are required to have a 3-Day venue stay, starting at around $28,000 USD and varies depending on guest counts. There is space for up to 225 seated guests, but depending on where you host everything, you may be more limited than that. It’s not a terrible option should you want to host your other pre-wedding or pos-wedding brunch events at the house, and again, being so close to downtown, it’s a great hub for your wedding party.
Smoke Tree Ranch
Smoke Tree Ranch offers a very different Palm Springs experience in the best way. With wide open lawns, historic adobe buildings, and towering trees, it feels more like a private desert village than a traditional venue. It is perfect for couples who value atmosphere, community, and a sense of place over formality. To get pricing, you have to reach out to them directly, and sources vary on the starting costs, but I will say it looks like a pricier place.
Bougainvillea Estate
This place was a strong contender for us. It’s located in Indio, so it’s farther away from Downtown PS, but for me it was worth the drive. I love the patio lights strung across the pool, the after party pool-party option and how absolutely gorgeous the bougainvillea is. Even though I’m not a fan of the bright colours normally, I knew that if we did this venue, I would concede the bright pink and change up my colour scheme. The only issue is I believe they encourage dinner to be set up around the pool, but given the fact that you can set up near the pond for the ceremony, there might be opportunities to have dinner there too. The guest count can be up to 200 people, and the average wedding there can run you $30,000–$40,000 USD for a full wedding weekend. This includes the required vendors, the venue cost and event fees.
Twin Palms Frank Sinatra Estate
For couples who love design and history, the Twin Palms Frank Sinatra Estate offers a classic Palm Springs setting with undeniable character. The iconic pool, clean architectural lines, and old Hollywood energy make it a fun and memorable choice, especially for a stylish evening celebration. It is right smack dab in the middle of Palm Springs, so you have the noise ordinance to contend with, but it is also very accessible for your guests to stay in town and easily get to and from your wedding. They do have a bit of a smaller guest count for that reason though. This estate has the same required 3-day venue rental requirements, but since its so central, its again a great option to host the pre and post wedding events since you’re already there! Costs start at around $4,000 USD/night, plus you have to add in all of the extras like rentals, transportation, food and drink etc.
Moorten Botanical Garden
Moorten Botanical Garden is ideal for smaller weddings or ceremonies that prioritize natural beauty. Surrounded by desert plants and cacti, it offers a unique backdrop that feels organic and intimate. It is especially lovely for couples who want a ceremony that feels calm and connected to the landscape. It can be a ceremony venue and then have a reception somewhere else, and given the size and space, that is what we considered. It can be a very inexpensive option to host a ceremony, starting at $600 for an hour (1-10 guests), running up to $2,400 for 3 hours (up to 80 guests), but important to consider that any extra time, like rehearsal or additional time past the initial 3 hours can run you $250/hour and $500/hr respectively.
They do also have quite a few rules including the following:
Time allotted for wedding ceremonies is from set up to take down. If extra time is needed for your event it is available at a charge of $ 500.00 per hour.
A one day event insurance policy is required. If alcohol is to be served, it must be covered in the policy.
No alcohol may be served before ceremony.
All children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Music must end at 9:00pm. Volume level is set by Garden staff.
We are a non smoking venue. Smoking is strictly prohibited.
Event must end by 9:00pm
Looking for an After-Party?
The noise ordinance was a big factor in deciding what we wanted to do for our wedding venue, but PS has some great after-party venues, including hitting up the bar scene downtown, booking the Ace Hotel which has a great after-party style venue or going to my fan -favourite Boozehounds.
Boozehounds has a great venue for everything from actual wedding to after party venue. They had a very reasonable cost for both a wedding and an after party, and the vibe was so much fun in there. We stopped in for dinner and drinks during my bach, but the indoor and outdoor space and casual but polished atompshere make it a great spot for a party. Boozehounds is really quick to answer any inquiries about the space, but for quick notes, if you’re looking for an after party only (and a quote from two years ago), its so inexpensive for a full buy out, and whether you include full bar or passed apps is up to you!
When planning a wedding in Palm Springs. timing is everything. Palm Springs is best enjoyed in the fall, winter, or early spring when temperatures are comfortable and outdoor celebrations are more enjoyable. Visiting venues in person and at the time of day you would get married can make all the difference. Light, temperature, and overall feeling matter just as much as the layout itself. The sun sets behind the mountains sooner than what the ‘sunset’ time is, so keep that in mind for golden hour, but also temperature at night. Getting a local photographer is important to lean on their experience on planning out your day and photo schedule.
If you are dreaming of a wedding that feels intentional, beautiful, and full of character, Palm Springs offer incredible options that go far beyond the typical hotel venue. These spaces allow your wedding to feel like an experience rather than an event.
Bonus points: If you’re looking for a vintage ring, Palm Springs (and area) are great places to search the consignment jewelry stores for pre-loved rings. Since Palm Springs is also home to all these beautiful vacation homes for the Hollywood rich and famous, sometimes through estate sales you can come across these beautiful one of a kind rings. I went down to PS before getting engaged to try on rings with my best friend, and found some vintage gorgeous rings that needed a bit of TLC, but could have been the most unique piece.
Interested in other wedding planning or Palm Springs content? Check out the below:
Palm Springs holds a special place in the hearts of so many couples. The sunshine, the desert light, the mid century cool factor, and the way the landscape feels both dramatic and intimate make it incredibly appealing. We almost had our own wedding here, and during the planning process we discovered some truly unforgettable venues that feel personal, beautiful, and far from the generic hotel ballroom experience. If you are planning a Palm Springs wedding or simply dreaming about one, these venues are worth bookmarking. We investigated a lot of Estates because I have always loved the idea of staying on-site at a wedding, and the idea of an estate means you get to enjoy waking up the morning after still at your beautiful venue, and can hang with your wedding party leading up until. Here are some favourites (with pricing!) if you’re in planning mode.